SpaceX Successfully Tested Its Astronaut Ejection System

The launch abort system is designed to separate the spacecraft and crew from the rocket if a technical failure occurs. According to SpaceX’s website, this system is a bit like an ejection seat for a fighter pilot, but in the Dragon capsule’s case, the entire spacecraft is basically “‘ejected’ away from the launch vehicle.”

Screenshot: NASA TV

Take-off went as planned at 9am EST under stable weather conditions, with the Dragon propelled off the launchpad by its own SuperDraco rocket engines. The capsule was equipped with 270 sensors, which measured acceleration and other forces. No humans were on board this time around, but scientists used a human-sized dummy to collect data on the forces experienced within the spacecraft.

After half a second of vertical flight, the Crew Dragon capsule pitched toward the ocean. When it reached its highest point at 1500 meters, the trunk was jettisoned. This allowed the release of small parachutes, called drogues, which stabilized the capsule. Three main parachutes were subsequently released to slow down the dragon and prepare it for a smooth splashdown onto the Atlantic.

Screenshot: NASA TV

The Dragon is SpaceX’s privately-owned and operated crew transport vehicle, which aims to carry astronauts to and from low Earth orbit from as early as 2017, if there are no major technical roadblocks.

The aim of this mission was primarily to test out if the launch abort system works, and to collect lots of data. This will allow SpaceX and NASA scientists to help ensure that future human crew members can cope with situations experienced during a launch abort, and will allow them to prepare safe flight conditions.

With this successful test flight completed, next up, scientists will be trying out an in-flight abort test. This tests the same launch abort system, but will be more challenging to carry out as it happens in mid-flight during an actual launch.